(b1878-d1949) Luther "Bill" Robinson was a real person. A well known and much-loved vaudvillian tap dancer, he played every where, knew everybody and was even considered the "official" mayor of Harlem. His gambling and traveling ways caused him to end up in jail a time or two. His funeral was attended by everybody from Ed Sullivan to Joe DiMaggio to Jackie Robinson. (if you dont know these names, go look em up).
Like many legends, his escapades were embellished and expanded upon, resulting in the song that carries his name that has been covered by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Bob Dylan and others.
Many now-strange remnants of late Jim Crow America, such as vaudville performers appearing in "black-faced" can be learned by reading about his life.